Squash: Titles will come, insists Matthew

Nick Matthew believes he is edging closer to returning to the winners circle following the US swing.

The Sheffield star, ranked two in the world, bowed out at the semi-final stage of the US Open last week, suffering a shock loss to Egyptian Omar Mosaad.

Defeat means Matthew is still searching for his first title of the season, although he has reached two finals.

“I just felt like things were starting to come together and that was the day I ended up losing to Omar,” Matthew told The Star. “It is going to sound strange but it was really the first time I felt like a true contender and a potential winner.

“It just shows you that when you feel like you are ready that that’s when you are at your most vulnerable.

“I clearly wasn’t ready but have got some time at home to prepare for the up-and-coming events.”

After several weeks of travelling and competing in tournaments stateside, Matthew can’t wait for a gruelling training camp and spending some time at home with his family in South Yorkshire before the World Championships get underway on November 15.

“I don’t really need to change anything,” he said. “I just need that beautiful commodity of time at home and to touch base with my team.

“My family energises me; it is like putting your mobile phone into the charger so I am looking forward to it.”